Psalm 19 – where we fall short

22nd  February 2025

And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Isaiah 61:1b

Lord you created the world in love:

Glory to you.

Lord you sustain the world through love:

Glory to you.

Lord you invite us to share that love: 

Glory to you .

A reading from Psalm 19:1-5

The heavens are telling the glory of God;
    and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

Day to day pours forth speech,
    and night to night declares knowledge.

There is no speech, nor are there words;
    their voice is not heard;

yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.

In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,

which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
    and like a strong man runs its course with joy.

Response 

Is  it in the coal pits and oil fields 

that we see God’s glory?

Or is  it in the wind, the sun and the sea?

Is it in the soya plantation and the chicken factory 

that we see God’s glory?

Or is it in in the vegetable plot and the meadow?

Is it  in the fumes of the combustion engine 

or in the exhaust from the coal-fired power station 

that we see God’s glory?

Or is it in the uphill slog and the down hill rush of the cycle wheel?

Is it in the land cleared of people to make way for luxury flats and runways 

that we see God’s glory?

Or is it in the primeval forest and the indigenous village.

Is it in the spoil heap and stagnant stream 

that we see God’s glory?

Or is it in the free running caribou and the eager beaver?

Is it in the slave to the workplace and the gig economy conscript 

that we see God’s glory? 

Or is it in the community of friends and neighbours? 

Heavenly God, 

Help us strip away the blinkers and disguises 

that prevent us and others from seeing your glory.

Help us clear away the rules and expectations 

that separate us from your glory.

Help us break down the indebtedness and inequalities 

that so weigh us down that we cannot look up. 

In simplicity let us know you.

In freedom let us follow you.

In joy let us celebrate your glory.

Amen.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18